Cost of Living in Seattle, Washington
Seattle is one of the priciest US metros, but Washington has no state income tax. Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in Seattle — housing, taxes, and category-by-category indices.
Cost of living in Seattle, WA
Seattle has an overall cost-of-living index of 158 (national average = 100). The Washington state income-tax rate is approximately 0%.
Median home price: $882,000. Median rent (2BR): $3,680 (1BR $3,150, 3BR $4,830).
| Category | Index (US avg = 100) |
|---|---|
| Housing | 210 |
| Utilities | 141 |
| Transportation | 149 |
| Groceries | 132 |
| Healthcare | 126 |
| Childcare | 164 |
| Dining Out | 152 |
| Entertainment | 146 |
| Insurance | 135 |
| Consumer Goods | 129 |
Relocation score: 4.5 / 10 (affordability 2.9, housing 1, taxes 10).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Seattle expensive to live in?
- Yes. Seattle is well above the national average, driven by housing, though it remains cheaper than San Francisco. Washington’s lack of a state income tax partly offsets the high costs.
- What salary do you need to live comfortably in Seattle?
- It depends on household size and housing choice. Use the calculator above to model an equivalent salary based on your current city and lifestyle.
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